Pixar Employees Address Toxic Environment Behind the Scenes of Inside Out 2

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Pixar Employees Address Toxic Environment Behind the Scenes of Inside Out 2

Key Takeaways

  • Inside Out 2 became Pixar’s highest-grossing film ever, but behind the scenes, employees faced severe working conditions.
  • Despite Inside Out 2’s financial success, employees endured layoffs, mental/physical strain, and limited compensation.
  • Pixar’s recent movie flops led to pressure from Disney, including requests to make characters less LGBTQ+ in Inside Out 2.

As a seasoned gamer with years of immersive storytelling under my belt, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of disillusionment when it comes to Pixar’s Inside Out 2. The movie was a visual masterpiece that tugged at heartstrings and showcased the power of emotions, yet behind its vibrant façade lies a troubling reality for those who breathed life into these characters.

The sequel to Pixar’s “Inside Out” is doing well at the box office, yet it’s another story behind the curtains. Previous workers have come forward, disclosing some less-than-shining aspects of employment with a significant animation company.

Behind the success of “Inside Out 2”, which became Pixar’s much-needed blockbuster and even surpassed all other animated films financially, there lies a different story. Beneath the public acclaim, Pixar workers are dealing with problems that go beyond anyone’s expectations.

As a die-hard fan, I recently stumbled upon an IGN expose that unveiled the grueling journey behind the success of Inside Out 2. Ten ex-Pixar employees opened up about their experiences, shedding light on the tough conditions they endured. They discussed layoffs, intense pressure, mental and physical exhaustion, long hours beyond the norm, and broader cultural problems within the company. These were merely a few obstacles they encountered while working at Pixar, as per the report.

Initially, “Inside Out” (2015) was Pixar’s biggest success in years upon its release, setting a new benchmark. However, it was unexpected that its sequel, “Inside Out 2,” would exceed expectations significantly. Not only did it become Pixar’s highest-grossing film ever, but also the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, earning $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office. This success was crucial for Pixar after a period of difficulty in producing another hit. However, behind the scenes, Pixar’s triumph came with a heavy price for its employees. Earlier this year, Pixar implemented layoffs affecting at least 175 workers, which is about 14% of its workforce, many of whom were involved with “Inside Out 2.” Those who remained faced tough working conditions, including weeks of seven-day work schedules for up to two months, with unpredictable periods of overtime and production rushes. Some employees were given tasks outside their specialties, while others reported varying experiences, indicating that not all departments experienced the same challenges. One of the most challenging periods was a four-month production rush toward the end. These harsh conditions impacted the physical and mental wellbeing of the employees. While some received overtime pay, time off, and health support, others claimed their healthcare coverage was completely withdrawn. Interestingly, the workers were creating a movie about mental health while lacking adequate care for themselves.

Individuals who experienced layoffs faced challenging circumstances, although not all affected employees received compensation. Those let go prior to the release of “Inside Out 2” were ineligible for bonuses, which could only be claimed by those who worked on the project for a specified duration and remained employed at the time the bonuses were distributed. This was particularly disappointing because these bonuses were crucial for employees, as Pixar’s standard pay for many positions is relatively low compared to the high cost of living in Emeryville, California, where the company is based. The layoffs weren’t just about financial hardships; on the day they were dismissed, workers lost access to the company network, denying them essential work materials, personal files, and benefits information. To add insult to injury, they were barred from retrieving their belongings during regular working hours, supposedly to prevent an uncomfortable environment for remaining employees. To make things even more difficult, their key card access was restricted to non-workweek hours, making it harder for them to collect their personal items. Many employees felt devalued by this treatment, as they were abruptly cut off from the company without a proper farewell or assistance.

As a gamer, I’ve been following Pixar’s journey closely, and let me tell you, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. After the groundbreaking success of Inside Out 2, they had a few stumbles, like with Lightyear, which didn’t quite meet their standards, raking in only $226 million worldwide. The next film, Elemental, managed almost half a billion dollars globally, but even that wasn’t enough to satisfy them. For Pixar, a movie needs to cross the $600 million mark to be considered profitable, while Disney sets the bar even higher at the $1 billion milestone for a true success.

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2024-09-22 19:23